Shaun Stokie Checks In Before the Big Class of 1986 40-Year Reunion! If you’ve ever met Shaun Stokie, you’ll know he’s the kind of person who fills a room – sometimes with laughter… and sometimes with balloons (more on that later 😄).

Shaun’s connection with Haileybury is deep and meaningful. His dad, Donald (OH 1950), was House Captain of Allen, his brothers Chris (OH 1986) and Kim (OH 1978) are Old Haileyburians too, and his mum Julie spent years shaping young musicians at the school. Having a mum on staff did come with perks! If the Stokie boys were still hungry after lunch, they’d go straight to Julie for a few extra coins to top up at the canteen. Sadly, Julie is now living with dementia in a nursing home, and Donald passed away two years ago.

Shaun’s school days were memorable. One of his funniest memories was the time he and a few partners-in-crime filled a teacher’s car with balloons—fortunately, she had a great sense of humour! He still speaks fondly of teachers like Shane Downie and remembers the school bus stopping to pick up a teacher—a guaranteed way to keep all students on their very best behaviour.

After school, Shaun took his talent and unmistakable radio voice into a decade-long broadcasting career. From Roma, 600 km west of Brisbane, to Bendigo, he did it all—breakfast shifts, ad scheduling, funeral announcements, and authentic sponsor reads. Shaun admires legends like Neil Mitchell and Christian O’Connell, and he’s even interviewed some icons himself including INXS, The Eagles, and Rick Astley. His house is a shrine to music, lined with signed records and photos with rock royalty.

Last year, the Class of 1986 felt the loss of Rob Marks. Shaun was one of the first people Rob reached out to in his time of need, and together with classmates, they provided support and companionship when it mattered most. Today, that group still meets regularly—and everyone from the Class of 1986 is welcome.